When I initially started #skatetofight, I included the hash tag (#) purely for aesthetics. However, after I created the site, I began to question it's purpose. I even contemplated removing it from the site title. Honestly, my anxiety kicked in and my brain began to imagine all sorts of criticism over its inclusion. My self-conscious brain had thoughts like, "People will think I am just a hash tag happy, over zealous, hipster blogger!" or "Not having a reason for that symbol will make people question my credibility!". Ridiculous I know, but it made me think (probably too much) about why the hash tag was there. I decided to do a little bit of research to find out the origins of the "#" symbol. As anyone who has called for customer service knows, in telephone lingo, its referred to as the pound sign. It also has been used to refer to units of weight especially outside of the United States. What I found most interesting was the symbol's history in computer programming. Originally the "#" symbol was used in programming to highlight special meaning in information technology. In 1978, programmers used the "#" for special keywords in C programming language. Eventually it evolved for use in social media to function as a metadata tag. The term "hash tag" was coined in a blog post by Stowe Boyd on 26 August 2007. So why do I find this interesting and why have I included a history lesson on a symbol that until 8 years ago was most commonly used to play tic-tac-toe? Because this symbol is the essence of what #skatetofight is all about: Unity, togetherness and movement towards the same place. When people see that hash tag, I want them to think of the community I hope to build. A group of people who know they have others to lean on when the darkness of depression sets in. I want It to remind people that they are not alone. So use the hash tag. Share the message. Build the community.

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A Safe Community For All

This page was started by people who suffer from mental illness, with the intention of helping any and all people who expereince similar challenges of depression, anxiety, addiction, victims of abuse and sexual assault, and to help those who experience these challenges of life through their passions.